Another cougar sighting reported in Highland Park

By Jeff Danna — Chicago Tribune

Nov. 29, 2012

(MCT) — Highland Park officials are urging residents to be on the lookout following another report of a cougar sighting.

A resident reported to authorities today having spotted on Sunday “a large, tan, feline-type animal similar in stature to a cougar" walking west in Old Elm Park in the Highlands area near Half Day Road, according to a city press release.

Police investigated but didn't find any tracks of other evidence of a cougar in the area.

Sunday's sighting is the second reported in Highland Park since September. Other cougar sightings have been reported in nearby Glencoe and Winnetka since late-summer.

The U.S. Department of Natural Resources says Illinois has no permanent cougar populations, but the animal sometimes passes through the region from South Dakota, according to the city's press release.

The city is asking residents to keep an eye on children and pets while they are outside. Sightings can be reported to the Highland Park Police Department at 847-432-7730.